Only 23% of Kiwis Strongly Agree They Think Before They Spend

When it comes to achieving financial well-being, self-awareness is everything. Our recent Wealth Map Evaluation quiz posed a simple but powerful question: "I think carefully about what I really want in life before making financial decisions." Over 5,600 people responded, and the results offer a fascinating glimpse into how we approach our money choices.

It's encouraging to see that nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) strongly agree that they pause to reflect on their true desires before spending or investing. An additional 48% somewhat agree, suggesting that the majority of people recognise the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal goals — even if they don't always do it consistently. However, the fact that only a minority "strongly" agree reveals a gap between intention and action for many.

Equally striking is that almost one in five participants (18%) sit on the fence, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. This ambivalence could reflect uncertainty about their goals or a lack of confidence in their decision-making process. Meanwhile, 10% openly admit to rarely considering what they truly want before making financial moves. This small but significant group may be acting out of habit, impulse, or external pressure rather than intentional planning.

What does this tell us? Most people know that thoughtful financial choices should be rooted in self-awareness, but clarity about personal priorities is elusive. It's easy to get swept up in day-to-day pressures or to operate on autopilot, losing sight of what really matters most.

If you're curious about where you stand — and ready to gain deeper insight into your financial mindset — take the Wealth Map Evaluation quiz today. Discover how intentionally you're shaping your financial future and get personalised feedback to help you chart a course that's truly aligned with your goals.